Reimagined under the theme “Life is an Adventure”, Toyota has whipped the wraps off the new RAV4.
Revealed in 2018, the fifth-generation RAV4 has been around for seven years. So, it was about time Toyota introduced a new iteration. Well, now, the Japanese marque has. Meet the new RAV4!
The sixth-generation RAV4 model line-up will exclusively be available with the choice of traditional hybrid drivetrains (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, the latter of which featuring the Japanese car manufacturer’s latest, sixth-generation petrol-electric configuration, replete with a new “high-output” charger and a “more efficient” battery setup. According to Toyota, thanks to this, the PHEV RAV4 offers an electric-only operating range of “up to” 150 km.
Toyota has yet to reveal power and torque outputs of both the HEV and PHEV models. Though, regarding the latter new-energy drivetrain, the company has said, “With 12% more motor output, you can expect a more exhilarating drive that doesn’t compromise on efficiency.”
In addition, the carmaker says that, with the box-fresh RAV4 range, it has also focused on improving the PHEV model’s off-road performance. Noteworthy, the plug-in petrol-electric setup features vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality, which allows owners to use their PHEV RAV4 as a backup power source for when adventuring into the outdoors (camping and the like) or during power outages.
The HEV arrangement has also been handed several “key” upgrades, the firm says. For the HEV variant, Toyota has enhanced several of this new-energy setup’s components, including the power control unit and transaxle. The manufacturer says these revisions allow for improved acceleration and responsiveness.
The box-fresh RAV4’s bold exterior design is based on three design elements: ‘Big Foot’, which emphasises large-diameter tyres, ‘Life-up’, which serves as a reminder of off-road performance, and ‘Utility’, which signifies easy-to-use luggage space. The new car will be available in (urban-focused) Core, Adventure and, of course, GR Sport styling kits. The latter, however, does not only usher in unique styling to the SUV, but also a specially tuned suspension setup and a wider track.